October 2011

Honda's North American production to be cut 50 percent through Nov. 10

(October 31, 2011) Honda said today that as the flooding in Thailand continues, a number of Honda suppliers in Asia currently are unable to maintain parts production, which is disrupting the flow of parts to production operations in North America.

To better manage the available parts supply in North America and globally, effective Nov. 2, Honda said it will cut auto production in the U.S. and Canada by 50 percent through at least Nov. 10. Subsequent adjustments will be announced as they are determined based on the parts supply situation, the company said.

GM to invest $385 million in Romulus Engine plant

(October 31, 2011) ROMULUS, Mich. — General Motors will invest approximately $385 million to prepare Romulus Engine for production of an all-new, fuel efficient engine program, creating or retaining about 320 jobs.

“Customers care about fuel efficiency and performance,” said Gerald Johnson, GM manufacturing manager. “We continue to innovate to meet both these expectations and the Romulus team will be an important part of our efforts."

Nissan offers New York City a peek inside 'Taxi of Tomorrow"

(October 31, 2011) NEW YORK — A host of New York City officials, including Taxi & Limousine Commissioner David Yassky, today were among the first to preview the interior design planned for the Nissan NV200 Taxi, New York City’s exclusive ‘Taxi of Tomorrow,’ at the Nissan ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ Design Expo.

The exhibit will be open to the public Nov. 1-5 and features an interactive display that allows New Yorkers to fully experience new and unique taxi features developed for — and with — New Yorkers.

Ford F-150 named Truck of Texas at annual Truck Rodeo

(October 31, 2011) SAN ANTONIO — Ford trucks and crossovers have earned top honors at the 2011 Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Truck Rodeo, including the 2012 Ford F-150 being named Truck of Texas — the most prestigious award. The Jeep Grand Cherokee for the second straight year was named the Sport Untility Vehicle of Texas.

GM program lets customers build their own LS7 or LS9 crate engine

(October 31, 2011) LAS VEGAS — Chevrolet Performance is offering customers the opportunity to help build their own LS7 or LS9 crate engine — a first-of-its-kind program that blends the convenience and assurance of purchasing a factory-engineered crate engine with the personal satisfaction of building one’s own engine for a project vehicle.

BMW recalling 32,000 vehicles to replace electric water pumps

(October 31, 2011) BMW is recalling 32,000 vehicles to replace potentially faulty electric auxiliary water pumps that can overheat and cause a vehicle fire. The recall covers 2008-2011 5-Series, 5-Series Gran Turismo, 7-Series, X5 SAV, and X6 SAV models that have eight- or 12-cylinder turbocharged engines.

The recall comes after BMW found at least 102 cases of pump failures worldwide — including two engine-compartment fires, the Detroit News reported. BMW said it is unaware of any crashes or injuries as a result of the condition.

Aston Martin One-77, Ford Focus PEV named top vehicles at Miami auto show

(October 31, 2011) MIAMI — The Aston Martin One-77 and Ford Focus Plug-In Electric were named the top vehicles at the 41st annual South Florida International Auto Show (SFIAS) by the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA), while Cadillac’s  stunningly beautiful Cadillac Ciel was tapped as the Best Concept Vehicle in the Show.

Original Mustang convertible returns with Ford-approved body shell

(October 30, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — It’s a classic car lover’s dream come true. Now it is possible to build a ’64½, ’65 or ’66 Mustang convertible from the wheels up using the all-new Ford-approved and officially licensed body shell.
 
The body shell for the original Mustang convertible, now in production and available for restorers as a Ford-licensed restoration part, gives classic car enthusiasts a new option in putting their classic dream Mustang ragtop back on the road.

Ford brings techy driver alert systems to mass market Explorer

By Al Vinikour
MotorwayAmerica

(October 29, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Automobile safety technology has become so sophisticated that it can now detect if the driver has become drowsy…and offers him or her a copy of coffee. Not literally, but visually. Ford Motor Company’s new Driver Alert System that it’s launching early in 2012 on the Ford Explorer includes a system that can detect the inattentiveness of a drowsy driver and display a coffee cup warning light that will appear on the dashboard instrument cluster.

Greatest moments in Chevrolet racing history

(October 29, 2011) DETROIT — A legacy of racing competition runs deep in Chevrolet’s 100-year history, dating to co-founder Louis Chevrolet’s passion for racing automobiles.

An iconic brand in American motorsports, Chevrolet has won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ Championship 35 times, and is the most successful name in that series’ history. Chevrolet Corvette Racing has taken seven class trophies at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A Chevrolet-branded V-8 racing engine won the Indy 500 seven times between 1988 and 2002.